University of Hertfordshire student admits groping woman’s bottom
A STUDENT out celebrating after finishing the final essay for his master’s degree was caught on CCTV groping a woman’s bottom.
Collins Okoli was out partying in Watford to mark the end of his social work course at the Hatfield-based University of Hertfordshire.
His barrister Franco Tizzano told St Albans Crown Court: “It was a matter of stupidity. He was larking around outside a nightclub and touched the person momentarily.”
Mr Tizzano said when Okoli, 25, was arrested and was told how upset the woman was, he said he wanted to apologise there and then.
He said Okoli, who earns �200 a week at a Sainsbury’s depot, was hoping to become a social worker.
You may also want to watch:
He said he was hoping his career would not be affected by his conviction.
Mr Tizzano added: “He has learned his lesson and is never likely to do this again. It was a momentary lapse of judgement.”
Most Read
- 1 Dangerous Welwyn Garden City domestic abuser who slashed ex-girlfriend's throat jailed
- 2 When is Team GB cycling star Laura Kenny in action at Tokyo 2020 Olympics?
- 3 9 things you didn’t know about the making of Band of Brothers
- 4 Safety check and risk assessment failings for hundreds of Welwyn Hatfield council houses
- 5 Council named wrong town planner as Garden City's principle creator
- 6 The latest court results for Welwyn Hatfield and Potters Bar
- 7 Water safety advice issued following lake drowning
- 8 Henry Moore Foundation in Hertfordshire appears in new Fake or Fortune? series on BBC One
- 9 New report reveals 28 Covid deaths at Hatfield care home
- 10 Welwyn Garden City named Hertfordshire’s sexiest place
Okoli, of Carterhatch Road, Enfield, pleaded guilty to common assault.
Prosecutor Sarah Porter offered no evidence on a charge of sexual assault and a not guilty verdict was entered.
Judge Patrick Moloney QC told Okoli: “Women deserve protection from any kind of assault. It was a disgraceful assault.
“I am satisfied it was an isolated moment of stupidity.”
He passed a 12-month community order with a requirement Okoli carries out 60 hours’ unpaid work and pays �400 costs.
